Ventura residents try to get their lives back in order with help from local institutions that had set up booths to offer help and information at Buena High School on Dec. 9. Jay Calderon/USA Today Network

David Karian on Dec. 9 sifts through the rubble of his parents' home in Ventura after it was destroyed by the Thomas Fire. Karian was able to salvage some small items from their hillside home. Jay Calderon/USA Today Network